“I would say it’s ongoing. I have spoken to Reda’s agent half a dozen times over the last few weeks, even on my holidays. I get on well with him and have known him a lot of years. I’m hopeful with that but he’s also potentially got other offers coming his way.

“There’s still a lot of talking to be done and as I have told Reda and his agent I would like to keep him at the football club and have a real positive push to get out of this division."